Wednesday 2 August 2017

In the week approaching the feast of St Mary MacKillop, we look at the life of Australia’s first saint through the lens of the daily Gospel stories. As you contemplate the daily Gospel reading, reflect on Mary’s story, and consider how your own faith journey can be enriched by her example.

‘The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field.’

People must have thought Mary MacKillop mad when she decided to start a religious order of Sisters who would go to the margins to teach poor children. Inspired by God and the vision she shared with her mentor and friend Fr Julian Tennison Woods, she abandoned other dreams and dedicated her life to God and to the poorest in Australian society.

Senior Australian of the Year, Anne Gardiner AM OLSH, lives with the Tiwi people on Bathurst Island. At a time when religious women were more restricted, Mary dreamed that her Sisters would live among people in outback regions, sharing their poverty and isolation, and making education possible for their children.

Jesus, inspire people to follow you closely and share your mission of love and care for others.